Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 192 - 191. Prince Ding’s Threat
191. Prince Ding’s Threat
「The Governor’s Mansion in the deep of the night」 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚
Under the cover of a moonless, windy night, the time that night-prowlers favored most, a shadow swiftly scaled the wall of the Governor’s Mansion and silently landed in the flowerbed by the wall. More figures clad in black stealthily infiltrated from behind the wall, heading towards a specific location within the Mansion.
In a loft not far away, several pairs of eyes from the half-open window observed the movements of the black-clad figures. Within the loft, under the faint glimmer of a candle, Mo Xiuyao was lazily leaning against a couch, watching the distant evening scenery from high above. Beside him, Feng Zhiyao, Han Mingxi, Qin Feng, Zhuo Jing, and Mo Hua, either seated or standing, were leisurely enjoying the supposedly covert operation of the figures in black. Han Mingyue leaned against the window, looking rather pale and fatigued. However, his gaze never shifted, continuously watching the movements of the figures in black below.
Feng Zhiyao, nibbling on the exquisite delicacies from the table by his side, asked, puzzled, "Are these people genuinely stupid, or just pretending to be? Did they not even suspect how easily they infiltrated the stronghold of the Prince of Ding Kingdom?" If it had been Mo Jing or Lei Zhenting’s territory they had breached so easily, their first instinct would surely have been to suspect a trap, not to rush in so blindly. Qin Feng crossed his arms, sword in hand, and snorted, "I’m afraid these people are mere cannon fodder, sent to probe. The opponents would first need to discern the level of vigilance in the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion before they truly take action." Mo Hua nodded, agreeing with Qin Feng’s assessment. "From a common assassin’s perspective, this group seems far too incompetent. Is it Tan Jizhi?"
Zhuo Jing spoke in a serious tone, "He’s become impatient so soon after leaving the Northwest?"
Han Mingxi smiled knowingly. "That just proves he’s desperate to end Su Zuidie’s life. It seems... Miss Su is indeed hiding some rather important secrets? Qin Feng, are you lot truly capable? Su Zuidie was handed over to you several months ago."
Hearing this, Qin Feng’s expression darkened. He glanced at Han Mingyue, who stood rigidly straight, and complained, "This woman is indeed a bit difficult to handle. After months of tormenting her, she has revealed almost everything, apart from matters concerning Tan Jizhi."
"She has revealed everything?" Han Mingxi scoffed, clearly disbelieving. A group claiming to be professional interrogators couldn’t handle an insignificant woman even after several months, and they dare to claim she had confessed everything?
Qin Feng glared at him and said angrily, "Yes, she even admitted to having slept with several men!" As soon as these words were out, Qin Feng realized his mistake. Su Zuidie had once been the Prince’s fiancée. Qin Feng’s words implied she wasn’t a chaste woman. Isn’t this... somewhat embarrassing for the Prince? He involuntarily glanced at Mo Xiuyao, only to find him leaning against the couch, lost in thought. A faint smile adorned Mo Xiuyao’s face, and he seemed undisturbed. Qin Feng could only hope that the Prince hadn’t heard what he said.
Just as this thought crossed his mind, Mo Xiuyao sat up. His long white hair scattered casually about him, his usual calm demeanor now tinged with an added layer of coldness and distance. Glancing at Qin Feng, Mo Xiuyao said indifferently, "Don’t rush. Don’t kill the woman before you get the information out. Of course... if you have other channels to obtain the information, you don’t need to report it to me or the Princess Consort separately." This implied he only wanted the secrets Su Zuidie had hidden. As for her life or death, Qin Feng could handle it himself.
Qin Feng couldn’t help but shrink back. So the Prince *did* hear me? I’ll have to stick close to the Princess Consort these next few days... No, I need to go on a long trip for some business. As for Su Zuidie... Qin Feng glanced at Han Mingxi with some vexation. He himself didn’t care anymore; since the Prince didn’t mind, even if he killed Su Zuidie, he could always find a way to capture Tan Jizhi later for interrogation. But... he and Han Mingxi had a decent relationship, and Han Mingxi happened to be Han Mingyue’s younger brother... So, perhaps it was more suitable for Su Zuidie to be assassinated by someone else and be done with it?
Watching the black-clad figures’ tracks disappear into a secluded small courtyard at the most remote part of the Governor’s Mansion, Mo Hua waved a hand, signaling to those outside that they could close the net. Shortly after, the lights in the small courtyard flared up, followed by the faint sounds of clashing weapons. Mo Xiuyao frowned and instructed, "Tell them to hurry. Don’t disturb the Princess Consort’s rest."
Mo Hua reassured him, "Prince, rest assured, the noise will not reach the Princess Consort’s courtyard." Precisely to avoid disturbing the rest of those in the main courtyard, the cells for prisoners had been intentionally placed in the most remote area of the Governor’s Mansion. Moreover, the Shadow Guards struck with such precision that only faint sounds could be heard even from their current location, let alone the Princess Consort’s courtyard, which was still half the entire distance away from here.
Indeed, in less than fifteen minutes, the lights in the distant small courtyard were extinguished again, and the entire Governor’s Mansion returned to its previous tranquility.
Qin Feng frowned and said, "I’m afraid there will be no shortage of assassins in the coming days. I don’t understand why Su Zuidie had to be moved back to the Governor’s Mansion." It would be much better to keep her at Qilin’s encampment, where no one would be disturbed.
Zhuo Jing replied, "If she were with you, the assassins wouldn’t need to come. Because they simply wouldn’t be able to find the place."
Seeing that there was nothing else pressing, Feng Zhiyao stood up, stretched a bit, and yawned. "If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave."
Mo Xiuyao nodded casually. Feng Zhiyao took two steps towards the exit, then seemed to remember something and turned back. "By the way, Your Highness, according to his travel pace, Xu Qingze should arrive tomorrow. I heard that two other young masters from the Xu Family are accompanying him..."
Mo Xiuyao’s face darkened. He glanced coldly at Feng Zhiyao and asked, "Why didn’t I hear you mention this before?"
A hint of schadenfreude in his eyes, Feng Zhiyao shrugged and said, "Well... I only received this news during dinner. Weren’t you dining with the Princess Consort then? How could I have dared to disturb you?"
Mo Xiuyao huffed and said, "You arrange it. There’s no room in the mansion. Find them a residence in the city."
Feng Zhiyao shook his head. "Your Highness, I’m afraid that won’t do... Second Young Master Xu’s previous courtyard is still vacant. If the Princess Consort asks why the three Young Masters Xu have to live outside the mansion, what should I say?"
These days, Mo Xiuyao was eager to drive everyone originally living in the Governor’s Mansion out. Feng Zhiyao, Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, and Wei Lin—who often hung around Ye Li—were the first he targeted. However, Zhuo Jing and the other two were personal assistants appointed by the Princess Consort and were thus supposed to live in the mansion. Consequently, Feng Zhiyao alone bore the brunt of Mo Xiuyao’s ire. Yet, Feng Zhiyao had recently discovered the joy of living with everyone else and stubbornly refused to move out of the mansion into a separate residence. So he spent his days pleasantly busy under Mo Xiuyao’s tyranny, and now, seizing the first opportunity to annoy Mo Xiuyao, he did so relentlessly.
Mo Xiuyao’s face was grim. "Third Feng..." he said softly, his voice dangerously low, "scram."
Feng Zhiyao shrugged, completely unfazed by Mo Xiuyao’s words. Someone in a foul mood has every right to vent. He cupped his hands and smiled, saying, "I shall take my leave then. I will properly arrange accommodations for the three Young Masters Xu. This is particularly true for Fifth Young Master Xu, who is planning to stay in Ruyang to accompany the Princess Consort. He is still young and can keep the Princess Consort company so she won’t get bored. Don’t you agree, Your Highness?" Serves him right! He refuses to work himself and won’t let the Princess Consort work either. From what I know, Fifth Young Master Xu is no pushover. That’ll make him miserable!
"Third Feng." Mo Xiuyao suddenly smiled, looking at Feng Zhiyao. "Your reminder was timely. This mansion is indeed short a Steward-in-Chief. Uncle Mo is busy managing the properties in various places, so how about you take over as the Steward-in-Chief of this mansion?"
Feng Zhiyao’s face stiffened, and he hastily retreated. The famously dashing Third Young Master Feng, a Steward-in-Chief of this mansion? Comparing himself to the stewards of various mansions across the land, Feng Zhiyao instantly felt his image as an exceptionally dashing young gentleman shatter.
The others also excused themselves, leaving only Han Mingxi and Han Mingyue. The loft fell quiet. Mo Xiuyao poured himself a glass of wine, holding it and sipping absently as he pondered what Feng Zhiyao had said, in no mood to speak. Xu Qingze was in Hongzhou, Xu Qingyan in Yunzhou, and Xu Qingfeng at the army camp inside the border of the pass; how had these three ended up together? Most importantly, why had these three left their posts to come to Ruyang? The current Mo Xiuyao, deep down, was reluctant to let anyone related to Ah-Li appear in the mansion and divert Ah-Li’s attention. But these three were damnably significant to Ah-Li! As he was lost in thought, an inadvertent chilling aura emanated from him, making the already somewhat cold room’s atmosphere even more heavy and oppressive.
After a moment of hesitation, Han Mingyue finally spoke, "Xiuyao..."
Mo Xiuyao looked up at him, annoyance clearly etched in his eyes. His gaze then drifted to Han Mingxi, who couldn’t help but frown. Han Mingxi used to provoke Mo Xiuyao without fear because he believed he had a good grasp of Mo Xiuyao’s temperament. But since Ye Li’s mishap and their recent return, he increasingly felt he could no longer understand Mo Xiuyao. He used to be sure that Mo Xiuyao wouldn’t lay a finger on him for Ye Li’s sake. Now, however, whenever Mo Xiuyao looked at him, Han Mingxi wasn’t so certain, despite rationally knowing that Mo Xiuyao wouldn’t hurt him. As a result, he generally avoided provoking Mo Xiuyao these days. Thinking to this point, Han Mingxi couldn’t help but smile bitterly. This was the difference between him and Mo Xiuyao. Without that strength, he simply wasn’t qualified to compete with Mo Xiuyao for Junwei’s attention.
Han Mingxi understood that Mo Xiuyao was warning him: if Han Mingyue didn’t learn to restrain himself, he wouldn’t be polite. But what could Han Mingxi do? No matter how muddled Han Mingyue might be, he was his only elder brother—the one who had raised him, loved him, taught him, and sheltered him from wind and rain. He couldn’t comprehend why his brilliant brother would sacrifice everything for an unworthy woman. He was also angry at his brother for abandoning him and their family. Despite this, he would still have to beg Ye Li for assistance if his brother was in danger. Han Mingxi also understood why Mo Xiuyao hadn’t taken action against Han Mingyue. It wasn’t because Mo Xiuyao cherished their former bond as brothers, but because he knew Han Mingxi would inevitably go and beg Ye Li. And Mo Xiuyao absolutely did not want him to beg Ye Li, much less have excessive contact with Ye Li.
With a helpless sigh, Han Mingxi stood up and said, "Elder Brother, you should head back first. I still have matters to discuss with the Prince."
Han Mingyue frowned. Seeing his younger brother struggling to hide his fatigue, he couldn’t bear to continue pestering and make things difficult for him. He could give up everything for Su Zuidie, but this had never included his younger brother.
Watching Han Mingyue leave, Han Mingxi heaved a sigh of relief and sat back down. Mo Xiuyao looked at Han Mingxi, who was now sitting opposite him, and raised an eyebrow in surprise. A look of helplessness on his handsome face, Han Mingxi said to Mo Xiuyao, "Prince, I beg you to help my elder brother."
Mo Xiuyao’s lips curled into a cold smile. "Beg me? Han Mingxi... you’re begging me to help your elder brother? I fail to see how Han Mingyue needs any help; he is clearly reveling in his situation. Besides, why should I help?"
Han Mingxi gritted his teeth. "I know Su Zuidie is doomed. I only ask that Your Highness spare my elder brother’s life when the time comes."
"Doomed?" Mo Xiuyao sat up straighter, studying Han Mingxi with an intrigued expression. "Why don’t you beg me to spare Su Zuidie for Han Mingyue’s sake? Though I would refuse, given your friendship with Ah-Li, she certainly wouldn’t refuse you."
Speaking of Han Mingxi’s friendship with Ah-Li, Mo Xiuyao practically gritted his teeth. Of everyone around Ah-Li, he detested Han Mingxi the most. Yet, he had promised Ah-Li not to kill Han Mingxi. Still, every time he saw Han Mingxi looking at Ah-Li, he wanted to gouge out his eyes!
Han Mingxi was silent for a moment before giving a bitter laugh. "Prince, why ask when you already know? If this were some time ago, I might indeed have begged the Princess Consort to show mercy. But now... The secret Su Zuidie is desperately holding onto must be of grave importance; once spoken, she will undoubtedly die. Although I don’t know what it is yet... when the time comes, I fear... even the Princess Consort might not be able to make that decision. Besides..." Han Mingxi sneered. "What is Su Zuidie to me? Why should I beg anyone for her sake? If she had died earlier, none of this would be happening now!"
"You see things more clearly than Han Mingyue," Mo Xiuyao said indifferently. Both of them knew that Han Mingyue wasn’t blind to the truth; he simply refused to admit it. The once world-renowned Young Master Mingyue had long ago fallen into a bewitched state over this woman Su Zuidie, unable to awaken. The saying ’a beauty’s embrace is a hero’s tomb’ is indeed true.
"However, you were wrong about one thing. There is nothing in the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion that Ah-Li cannot decide." Looking at the silent Han Mingxi, Mo Xiuyao continued, "As long as Ah-Li is pleased, it’s not just about insignificant matters like Su Zuidie’s life or death. Even if she wanted my life, I would deliver it into her hands without hesitation. Of course, you did the right thing by not approaching Ah-Li for help. If you put Ah-Li in a difficult position, I will make everyone else find things difficult along with her. As for Han Mingyue’s life, you can keep it yourself; I’m not interested. But you had better remember this: if you dare to gaze at my Ah-Li with those eyes of yours again, I’ll gouge them out!"
A bitter taste filled Han Mingxi’s throat. The ’gazing’ Mo Xiuyao referred to was naturally not ordinary looking. There were many people around Ye Li, and not a few were closer to her than he was. Mo Xiuyao hadn’t warned Feng Zhiyao, nor Qin Feng, nor Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, or Wei Lin. Yet he came to warn him. Han Mingxi, of course, knew the reason. Although he had always thought he concealed it well, and could perhaps deceive anyone else, he could not deceive Mo Xiuyao, who was Ye Li’s husband.
Lifting his head to look at Mo Xiuyao, Han Mingxi sneered, "Your Highness must know that Junwei is a woman of rare quality, seldom found in this world. Can Your Highness truly stop the gazes of everyone in the world? Or does Your Highness intend to hide Junwei in a secluded boudoir, unseen by anyone?"
Mo Xiuyao’s eyes turned cold, his smile even more frigid and merciless. "Of course, I will not hide Ah-Li in a secluded boudoir. Wherever I am, Ah-Li will naturally be by my side. But... whoever dares to look, I will gouge out their eyes!"
A sudden chill gripped Han Mingxi’s heart, leaving him ultimately speechless. You were just lucky to have met her first!
Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, a hint of pride in his expression. "So what if I was lucky? Han Mingxi, remember your station. I promised Ah-Li I wouldn’t kill you. You’d best not force me to break my promise."
Han Mingxi lowered his head, silent for a long while. Then, looking up at Mo Xiuyao, he smiled faintly. "Your Highness is overthinking things. Han Mingxi... harbors no improper thoughts. My relationship with Junwei is merely that of honorable friends. Does Your Highness intend to prevent even this?" He knew he couldn’t compare to Mo Xiuyao. The ’Romantic Young Master’ sounded pleasant, but I was just a good-for-nothing rapist. Junwei didn’t scorn my reputation and was willing to associate with me. However, in these chaotic times, I was unable to protect her. Since meeting Ye Li, Han Mingxi had never regretted so much his youthful laziness and refusal to listen to his brother’s teachings, resulting in him being accomplished in neither literary nor martial pursuits. If he possessed his elder brother’s talent, wisdom, and martial prowess, even if he couldn’t match Mo Xiuyao, he would have the confidence to contend with him.
Mo Xiuyao narrowed his eyes slightly, looking skeptically at the handsome man before him. Although he utterly detested the exceptionally handsome man before him, Mo Xiuyao had to admit that Han Mingxi had indeed wholeheartedly helped Ah-Li. Moreover... Ah-Li, after all, needed her own friends. To put it bluntly, he, Mo Xiuyao, was merely jealous of Han Mingxi. Han Mingxi’s appearance was better than his, his personality better than his. Although Han Mingxi couldn’t compare in martial arts or status, what use was that? If it were Han Mingxi, he could naturally take Ah-Li into reclusion in the mountains without hesitation, to live a leisurely and peaceful life. He was merely afraid that Ah-Li would prefer a man like Han Mingxi, afraid that Ah-Li would regret marrying him. Regardless... no one in this world could snatch Ah-Li from his side!
"I will trust you this once. However, remember that what I’ve said will always be effective." Mo Xiuyao stood up, casually delivered this final remark, and swept out with a flick of his sleeve.
Han Mingxi sat alone by the window, watching Mo Xiuyao descend the stairs, cross the garden, and head towards the central courtyard of the Governor’s Mansion. There... resided the only woman in his life who had ever stirred his heart. A light wind wafted through the window, and Han Mingxi felt waves of coldness in his heart.
